Looking for an authentic taste of Scotland on your family’s next trip to the British Isles? If so, consider a short break to unwind at this celebrated five-star resort.
Located in Auchterader, Scotland, Gleneagles Resort is an 830-acre estate that sits like a royal palace in the lush countryside that separates Glasgow and Edinburgh. While perhaps best known for its golf courses, Gleneagles boasts 232 luxury guest bedrooms and 26 exclusive suites. Starting at £410/N, rooms at Gleneagles are spacious and stylish and include wireless internet, a flatscreen television and decor worthy of royalty. Additionally, resort guets have full access to the Gleneagles Club which is comprised of two pools, tennis courts, a sauna and fitness center.
Tee Time at Gleneagles
Golfers visiting Gleneagles shouldn’t miss an opportunity to play their game in its country of origin. The resort boasts a historic portfolio consisting of four stately courses including the majestic PGA Century Course which is set to host the Ryder Cup Championship in 2014.
Created by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, the PGA Century Course pushes serious golfers to confront sweeping fairways, deep roughs and fast, elevated greens. Regardless of your success however, the PGA Century Course will continuously reward you throughout your round with a feast of picturesque views of the surrounding estate. Green fees for the PGA Century Course in 2010 start at £75.
The famous King’s Course challenges golfers with its steep fairways and cavernous bunkers while the secluded Queen’s Course runs through woodland setting where golfers face ditches, ponds and other moorland hazards. Green fees for the King’s and Queen’s Courses start at £75.
Rusty, intimidated, less experienced — and yes, junior — golfers should consider playing the nine-hole Wee Course before attempting Gleneagles’ more demanding courses. The Wee Course offers the perfect combination of challenge and delight to golfers of all skill levels. Green fees for the Wee Course start at a more modest £25.
Royal Fun for Everyone
In addition to the full-service spa and remarkable golfing, Gleneagles offers a wide variety of royal fun for the whole family.
Older children and teens will be particularly interested in a tutorial in falconry, or perhaps an off-road driving lesson in which you tilt a Land Rover Defender 45° on its side without tipping over.
Indoor and outdoor equestrian programs as well as skeet shooting round out a week of opulent fun at this classic and very classy resort. In addition to The Zone for older kids, the resort has expanded its kids playroom for ages 2 to 10 years. It's a perfect place to keep the young ones busy so you can play golf, or hit the gym, guilt-free.
Wine & Dine at Gleneagles
During your stay at Gleneagles, you will be invited to indulge in a variety excellent cuisine at any one of the resort’s choice restaurants.
The Strathearn offers traditional Scottish cuisine with a sleek and modern flare; perhaps an evening to book a nanny. To complement your course of Scottish shell-fish or Highland game, Strathearn proposes an award-winning list of wines from all corners of the map. After dinner, feel free to embrace your inner bon vivant with a drink from Strathearn’s collection of rare malt whiskies. Dress attire for Stathearn Restaurant calls for business casual.
If you are looking to grab a casual but tasty meal between resort activities, then head to Deseo Tapas Restaurant which offers fresh Mediterranean cuisine in a congenial, family-friendly setting.
After a day on the links, quench your appetite at the Dormy Golf Clubhouse, located next to the King’s and Queen’s 18th holes. The classic British food and spectacular views of the Scottish countryside that envelops the resort are a real treat for hungry golfers and their families.
For opulent foodies who crave a sumptuous dining experience, Gleneagles’ two Michelin-starred restaurant, Andrew Fairlie, offers top-notch French classics prepared with local Scottish ingredients. For this formal dinner, we suggest reservations as well as dropping your older kids off at The Zone or arranging to have a sitter look after your younger kids.
For more information or to book your stay at Gleneagles Resort, visit Gleneagles Resort online or call +44/1764-662231; 866/881-9525 toll-free USA or 800/389-3737 toll-free UK).
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